Back to EveryPatent.com
United States Patent |
6,122,949
|
Lock
,   et al.
|
September 26, 2000
|
Refurbishing device for a fish tape
Abstract
A refurbishing device (10) for a fish tape (12) comprising a base (14) and
three studs (16). An assembly (18) is for attaching the studs (16) in
equally spaced apart locations through the base (14), so that the studs
(16) will extend from a bottom side (20) of the base (14). A handle (22)
is also provided. An assemblage (24) is for securing the handle (22) to a
top side (20) of the base (14) opposite from the studs (16). A person (28)
can grasp the handle (22) with a first hand (30) and pull the coiled fish
tape (12) between the studs (16) approximately three times with a second
hand (32), thus reconditioning the fish tape (12) to like a new, straight
and usable condition.
Inventors:
|
Lock; Robert (33 Pearl Ave., Holtsville, NY 11742);
Dziomba; Thomas (22 Birch Dr., Huntington Station, NY 11746)
|
Appl. No.:
|
149614 |
Filed:
|
September 8, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: |
72/160; 140/147 |
Intern'l Class: |
B21D 001/06 |
Field of Search: |
72/160,164
140/147
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2274036 | Feb., 1942 | Buck | 72/160.
|
2348539 | May., 1944 | Harper | 72/160.
|
2746513 | May., 1956 | Kiesow | 72/164.
|
5560239 | Oct., 1996 | Conlan | 72/160.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
124835 | Nov., 1901 | DE | 140/147.
|
577457 | May., 1958 | IT | 72/160.
|
561559 | Jan., 1959 | IT | 72/160.
|
309642 | Nov., 1955 | SE | 140/147.
|
564401 | Sep., 1944 | GB | 72/164.
|
746765 | Mar., 1956 | GB | 72/164.
|
765707 | Jan., 1957 | GB | 72/160.
|
Primary Examiner: Crane; Daniel C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kroll; Michael I
Claims
What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set
forth in the appended claims:
1. A refurbishing device for a fish tape comprising:
a) a base;
b) three studs;
c) means for attaching said studs in equally spaced apart locations through
said base, so that said studs will extend from a bottom side of said base;
d) a handle including:
i) a tubula hand grip:
ii) a pair of arms, in which each said arm extends downwardly from one side
of said tubular hand grip; and
iii) a pair of flanges, in which each said flange is integral with each
said arm and extends at a right angle therefrom, so as to rest upon the
too side of said base; and
e) means for securing said handle to a top side of said base opposite from
said studs, so that A person can grasp said handle with a first hand and
pull a coiled fish tape between said studs approximately three times with
a second hand, thus reconditioning the fish tape to a like new, straight
and usable condition.
2. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 1, wherein
said base is a rectangular plate.
3. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 1, wherein
each said stud is a bolt having a head and a threaded shank.
4. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 3, wherein
said studs attaching means includes said base having three equally spaced
and centrally located threaded apertures therethrough, so that each said
threaded shank of each said bolt will be threaded completely through each
said threaded aperture to extend from the bottom side of said base with
each said head in engagement with the top side of said base.
5. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 4, wherein
said studs attaching means further includes:
a) three lock washers, wherein each said lock washer will fit upon each
said threaded shank of each said bolt; and
b) three nuts, wherein each said nut will be threaded completely onto each
said threaded shank of each said bolt to firmly retain each said bolt to
said base.
6. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 1, wherein
said handle securing means includes:
a) said base having two countersunk holes, in which each said countersunk
hole is centrally located adjacent one end of said base and extends from
the bottom side thereof;
b) each said flange of said handle having an opening therethrough in
alignment with one said countersunk hole in said base;
c) a pair of flat head bolts each having a threaded shank, so that each
said threaded shank of each said flat head bolt will extend completely
through each said countersunk hole in said base from the bottom side and
each said matching opening in each said flange of said handle;
d) a pair of washers, wherein each said washer will fit upon each said
threaded shank of each said flat head bolt;
e) a pair of lock washers, wherein each said lock washer will fit upon each
said threaded shank of each said flat head bolt; and
f) a pair of nuts, wherein each said nut will be threaded completely onto
each said threaded shank of each said flat head bolt to firmly hold each
said flange of said handle to said base.
7. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 1, wherein
said base is fabricated out of a strong durable material.
8. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 7, wherein
said strong durable material is aluminum of said base.
9. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 1, wherein
each said stud is fabricated out of a strong durable material.
10. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 9, wherein
said strong durable material of each said stud is stainless steel.
11. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 2, wherein
each said stud is a bolt having a head and a threaded shank.
12. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 13, wherein
said studs attaching means includes said base having three equally spaced
and centrally located threaded apertures therethrough, so that each said
threaded shank of each said bolt will be threaded completely through each
said threaded aperture to extend from the bottom side of said base with
each said head in engagement with the top side of said base.
13. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 12, wherein
said studs attaching means further includes:
a) three lock washers, wherein each said lock washer will fit upon each
said threaded shank of each said bolt; and
b) three nuts, wherein each said nut will be threaded completely onto each
said threaded shank of each said bolt to firmly retain each said bolt to
said base.
14. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 5, wherein
said handle securing means includes:
a) said base having two countersunk holes, in which each said countersunk
hole is centrally located adjacent one end of said base and extends from
the bottom side thereof;
b) each said flange of said handle having an opening therethrough in
alignment with one said countersunk hole in said base;
c) a pair of flat head bolts each having a threaded shank, so that each
said threaded shank of each said flat head bolt will extend completely
through each said countersunk hole in said base from the bottom side and
each said matching opening in each said flange of said handle;
d) a pair of washers, wherein each said washer will fit upon each said
threaded shank of each said flat head bolt;
e) a pair of lock washers, wherein each said lock washer will fit upon each
said threaded shank of each said flat head bolt; and
f) a pair of nuts, wherein each said nut will be threaded completely onto
each said threaded shank of each said flat head bolt to firmly hold each
said flange of said handle to said base.
15. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 14, wherein
said base is fabricated out of a strong durable material.
16. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 15, wherein
said strong durable material is aluminum of said base.
17. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 16, wherein
each said stud is fabricated out of a strong durable material.
18. A refurbishing device for a fish tape as recited in claim 17, wherein
said strong durable material of each said stud is stainless steel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to an electricians fish tape and
more specifically it relates to a refurbishing device for a fish tape. The
advantages of the refurbishing device for a fish tape are twofold. The
first would be time saving. An example of time saving would be the ability
to complete installation of wiring after reconditioning of the fish tape
in the field. The second advantage would be the expense. An example of
expense would be the saving of labor cost for personnel to go and purchase
a replacement and return, or return at another time with a new fish tape
to complete the installation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The electrician's fish tape has been provided in prior art to be used for
fishing a wire through wall and floor space, conduit and pipe, or any
other place you cannot readily get at by hand. It is light, strong and
flexible, while its usual length is fifty to two hundred feet. Soapstone
or talcum powder may be used to lubricate it. An opened or closed hook is
formed at the end of the fish tape to engage the end of the wire. While
these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they
address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present
invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Electricians and other tradesmen involved with wire installation use a
rolled steal bar known in the trade as a fish tape or snake. Two types
that are commonly used are one sixteenth inch thick by one eighth inch
wide or one sixteenth inch thick by one quarter inch wide. The range in
length from fifth feet to two hundred feet. The fish tape is passed
through conduits across suspended ceilings and many other places in new
and existing structures to expedite the installation of electrical,
communication, cable and alarm wiring. When the fish tape reaches its
destination, wiring is attached to the end. The fish tape is then pulled
back to its insertion point bringing the wire with it.
The fish tape in its new condition when laid on the floor would remain flat
and move in a linear fashion away from the user as it is fed out. Over
time, the stress placed on the fish tape by pulling it around the corners
of two by fours and the edges of conduits coils the fish tape. Much the
same way as when you place a ribbon between your thumb and the edge of a
pair of scissors and pull the ribbon, it curls. The fish tape, which now
travels in a circular path back to its origin when used in an open space
or binds in conduits because of its wave form, is now useless.
The intent of the present invention is to provide tradesmen involved with
the installation of concealed wiring, the ability to recondition in the
field, a severely coiled and unusable fish tape to a like new, usable
condition. The fish tape is laced through three metal studs of a hand held
device. The fish tape is pulled through the studs approximately three
times, thus reconditioning the fish tape to a like new, straight, and
usable condition.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a refurbishing
device for a fish tape that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior
art devices.
Another object is to provide a refurbishing device for a fish tape that
will save time, since the electrician has the ability to complete
installation of wiring after reconditioning the fish tape in the field.
An additional object is to provide a refurbishing device for a fish tape
that will reduce expenses by saving the cost of labor needed for personnel
to go and purchase a replacement and return, or return at another time
with a new fish tape to complete the installation.
A further object is to provide a refurbishing device for a fish tape that
is simple and easy to use.
A still further object is to provide a refurbishing device for a fish tape
that is economical in cost to manufacture.
Further objects of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may
be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are
illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific
construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present
invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better
understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts
throughout the several views, and wherein;
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention in use.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the present invention per
se.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view taken in the direction of arrow 3 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view taken in the direction of arrow 4 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view taken in the direction of arrow 5 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, showing the various components used
in the assembly of the present invention.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently
throughout the attached drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1
through 6 illustrate the present invention being a refurbishing device 10
for a fish tape 12. With regard to the reference numerals used, the
following numbering is used throughout the various drawings figures.
10 refurbishing device
12 fish tape
14 base of 10
16 stud of 10
18 studs attaching assembly of 10
20 bottom side of 14
22 handle of 10
24 handle securing assemblage of 10
26 top side of 14
28 person
30 first hand of 28
32 second hand of 28
34 rectangular plate for 14
36 bolt for 16
38 head of 36
40 threaded shank of 36
42 threaded aperture in 14 of 18
44 lock washer of 18 on 40
46 nut of 18 on 40
48 tubular hand grip of 22
50 arm of 22 on 48
52 flange of 22 on 50
54 countersunk hole in 14 of 24
56 end of 14
58 opening in 52 of 24
60 flat head bolt of 24
62 threaded shank of 60
64 washer of 24 on 62
66 lock washer of 24 on 62
68 nut of 24 on 62
70 strong durable material (aluminum) for 14
72 strong durable material (stainless steel for 16
The refurbishing device 10 for the fish tape 12 comprises a base 14 and
three studs 16. An assembly 18 is for attaching the studs 16 in equally
spaced apart locations through the base 14, so that the studs 16 will
extend from a bottom side 20 of the base 14. A handle 22 is also provided.
An assemblage 24 is for securing the handle 22 to a top side 26 of the
base 14 opposite from the studs 16. A person 28 can grasp the handle 22
with a first hand 30 and pull the coiled fish tape 12 between the studs 16
approximately three times with a second hand 32, thus reconditioning the
fish tape 12 to like a new, straight and usable condition. The base 14 is
a rectangular plate 34. Each stud 16 is a bolt 36, having a head 38 and a
threaded shank 40.
The studs attaching assembly 18 includes the base 14 having three equally
spaced and centrally located threaded apertures 42 therethrough. Each
threaded shank 40 of each bolt 36 will be threaded completely through each
threaded aperture 42, to extend from the bottom side 20 of the base 14
with each head 38 in engagement with the top side 26 of the base 14.
The studs attaching assembly 18 further contains three lock washers 44.
Each lock washer 44 will fit upon each threaded shank 40 of each bolt 36.
Three nuts 46 are provided. Each nut 46 will be threaded completely onto
each threaded shank 40 of each bolt 36, to firmly retain each bolt 36 to
the base 14.
The handle 22 comprises a tubular hand grip 48 and a pair of arms 50. Each
arm 50 extends downwardly from one side of the tubular hand grip 48. A
pair of flanges 52 are provided. Each flange 52 is integral with each arm
50 and extends at a right angle therefrom, so as to rest upon the top side
26 of the base 14.
The handle securing assemblage 24 includes the base 14 having two
countersunk holes 54. Each countersunk hole 54 is centrally located
adjacent one end 56 of the base 14 and extends from the bottom side 20
thereof. Each flange 52 of the handle 22 has an opening 58 therethrough in
alignment with one countersunk hole 54 in the base 14. A pair of flat head
bolts 60 each have a threaded shank 62. Each threaded shank 62 of each
flat head bolt 60 will extend completely through each countersunk hole 54
in the base 14 from the bottom side 20 and each matching opening 58 in
each flange 52 of the handle 22. A pair of washers 64 are provided. Each
washer 64 will fit upon each threaded shank 62 of each flat head bolt 60.
A pair of lock washers 66 are provided. Each lock washer 66 will fit upon
each threaded shank 62 of each flat head bolt 60. And finally, a pair of
nuts 68 are provided. Each nut 68 will be threaded completely onto each
threaded shank 62 of each flat head bolt 60, to firmly hold each flange 52
of the handle 22 to the base 14.
As shown in FIG. 4, the base 14 is fabricated out of a strong durable
material 70. The strong durable material 70 of the base 14 is aluminum.
Each stud 16 is fabricated out of a strong durable material 72. The strong
durable material 72 of each stud 16 is stainless steel.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or
more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods
differing from the type described above.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and
described are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be
limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various
omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and
details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by
those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of
the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of
the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that,
from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential
characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
Top